Pilot Project in Conroe Almost Doubles Colon Cancer Screening

On Jan. 24, Lone Star Family Health Center of Conroe was recognized for nearly doubling colon cancer screening rates since last year. The Lone Star facility implemented evidence-based strategies to achieve this success in a pilot project funded by Wal-Mart and supported by the American Cancer Society, Texas Medical Association’s Physician Oncology Education Program, and the Texas Association of Community Health Centers.

Dr. Stephen L. McKernan (left), is recognized by Dr. Lewis Foxhall of the American Cancer Society.

“Since colon cancer is preventable, screening is a life-saving effort that we consider a priority,” said Dr. Stephen L. McKernan, chief executive officer for Lone Star Family Health Center. “We feel the significant results of our project will be an incentive for other community health centers to also implement strategies to increase colon cancer screening rates.”

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Screening is recommended for anyone age 50 and older, but only half of the U.S. population age 50 and older has been tested. Removal of precancerous polyps and detection of early cancers have caused a rapid decline in colon cancer death rates in recent years. When detected early, colon cancer is more than 90 percent curable. Despite this, screening has long been difficult to get patients to complete. The primary reason patients say they are not screened is because a doctor did not advise it.

As part of the pilot project, Lone Star physicians and staff used the American Cancer Society’s “How to Increase Preventative Screening Rates in Practice” guide and mapped out a plan of implementation for colon cancer screening. The guide includes detailed instructions on stressing the importance of screening to patients when recommending testing, developing a policy for the health care team to follow, measuring progress, and following up with reminders. To access “How to Increase Preventative Screening Rates in Practice”, visit cancer.org/colonmd.

Annual Report: More Than a Million Cancer Deaths Avoided in 2 Decades

Newly published statistics from the American Cancer Society show that cancer death rates in the U.S. continue to decrease. Death rates continue to decline for lung, colon, breast and prostate cancers, which are responsible for the most cancer deaths. However, there has been an increase in the past decade of people developing some less common cancers, including pancreas, liver, thyroid, and kidney cancer.

The annual report, “Cancer Statistics, 2012,” published in the American Cancer Society’s journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, and its companion piece “Cancer Facts & Figures 2012,” estimates the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths expected in the U.S. this year. The estimates are some of the most widely quoted cancer statistics in the world.

Read the entire article on cancer.org.

Harlingen teacher inspires students as she battles breast cancer

Venessa Hinojosa is teaching her students how to reach the high notes and deal with the low notes. “Being able to be here is part of why I believe I am doing so well, because I can be here and be me and not worry about everything else” .

Vanessa’s outlook remains on the rise, she hasn’t missed a beat since her diagnosis and is getting her young ladies ready for this year’s choir competition. “I hope they know I’m going to be okay,” Venessa told Action 4 News. “I hope they know that if I can do this, if something similar happens to them or a family member, they can just keep going.”

To watch the entire story by Brian Hale, visit valleycentral.com.

Boutiques are a boost for cancer patients in Wichita

Peggy Cardenas, American Cancer Society administrative assistant, adjusted cancer patient Jody Schell's wig last week. Photo by Mike Hutmacher/The Wichita Eagle

Although she’s just started chemotherapy for breast cancer, Debra Nighswonger is ready for the inevitable.

“Losing my breasts was bad enough for me,” the Leon resident said. “But losing my hair is going to make me cry. I needed a security blanket for when I lose my hair.”

That’s why within less than two weeks of starting chemo, Nighswonger and her friend Connie Harshbarger, a breast cancer survivor, paid a visit to the resource room at the new offices of the American Cancer Society at 330 S. Main, Suite 100, in downtown Wichita.

Click here to read the article by Amy Geiszler-Jones on kansas.com.

To learn more about Look Good … Feel Better, visit lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball on Top Chef Dec. 7 Episode

   Cattle Baron’s Ball of Dallas
will be featured on the Bravo network’s popular Top Chef Texas Wednesday, Dec. 7 (9 p.m. CST).

Last July, Cattle Baron’s Ball committee members, and American Cancer Society supporters and staff were part of a secretly taped show filmed at iconic Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas.

Sitting at the judges’ table were Maria Clark, American Cancer Society North Texas regional vice president, and Jennifer Dix, 2011 Cattle Baron’s Ball chairman. The show featured a Cattle Baron’s Ball-type dinner with guests clad in fine western attire.

Here’s the Bravo episode description

Cattle Baron’s Ball is the American Cancer Society’s largest single-night fundraiser. Since 1974, the ball has raised more than $48 million for cancer research. Visit cattlebaronsball.com for information about the legendary Cattle Baron’s Ball and sponsorship opportunities.